DIY archway with gate

I have taken the easier route and bought myself an arch kit. So far it's not going very well.



I have spent all evening on it and no matter what I do, I cant get the thing square or level. I know the pre cut holes that the struts fit into are a bit on the tight size . I filed one out a bit and the fit did seem better. I'm not sure that if I spent a lot of time filing out all the holes, it would make a lot of difference. If anybody could advise me I would be very appreciative. At the moment I have a whole load of loose pieces of wood that need putting together ASAP before they warp or get damaged.

G.

 

Doesn't it go on the top of posts? Are those slabs level?
The square ness and level ness, are they words? will be determined by how level and square your posts are when in the ground.

Or am I missing something?

 

I wouldn't get too hung up on whether the arch is level until it is assembled and in place.

The most important thing is that the archway 'looks' level - in comparison to it's surroundings. I have a couple of arches that look level - but are wonky when you put a spirit level on them. Things like the slope of the ground, the surrounding buildings etc. will all have a bearing.

When it is in place - you can then adjust so that it 'looks' level - you may have to sink the legs at different depths to get the look you want.

Like the arch - I bet that was a few bob.

 

Agree with @pete & @clanless even if the area you're trying to work on is level wood will expand and warp especially in warm weather, assemble it all pop it in the holes (if it's going into holes) get it until it's level (or until you're happy it looks level) then fill the holes and sit back and admire your new arch.

 

I've finally got my arch completed. I think it looks all right. I cut the honeysuckle back to 3 or 4 healthy vines and ditched the rest. It's a very vigorous plant so it should catch up again soon. That now gives the other plants around it a bit more room to breathe.

G.

 

That looks lovely and will be even better when the Honeysuckle joins forces. Well done.

 

Nice, is it to have a gate? Wrought iron would be good.........

 

I was thinking of a gate but I'm not too sure at the moment. It would have to be 105 cm wide which is an odd size. I have considered making one from wood at some point in the future.


This is the sort of thing that I would have liked but it would be beyond my limited skill set to make something like this. I wanted to build the arch partly as a memorial to my cats so a wooden gate would be easier to customise.

A wrought iron gate though would tie in nicely with the wrought iron gate already at the side of the house.

Either way, I'm in no rush. I can wait til the spring and then revisit it. In the mean time there are plenty more jobs that I need to be getting on with.

G.

 

It may be wrong to lead you towards my inclinations but I would venture into my local 'Recycling' depot (Tip) and ask whether they might be able to furnish the item required. Rarely have they failed me. It would likely need stripping and repainting with Hammerite smooth, two coats,; a worthwhile winter project. That size would be half of a 6' 6" pair, get the one with the latch!, or take the pair if they fuss. Local price c £20
You can buy hinges to suite:
Gates - F H Brundle
Alternatively, try Gumtree co.uk